3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.

Rail - C Course

Race 1

#8 ARTHUR'S KINGDOM arrived in Hong Kong with strong European form, having finished second in a group one in France as a two year old before going on to run well behind PYLEDRIVER at Royal Ascot as a three year old. He hasn't got anywhere near those heights in Hong Kong, however, he won his first Hong Kong race over this course and distance two runs back.On that occasion, he had to work to get across and lead, but once he got there, he travelled well and fought off the challengers.He's only got 5lbs extra to carry this time as a consequence of that win, and from gate two, he won't have any work to do.

#4 KEEN UNITY recently found his way into class 5 and should be winning a race at this level in the immediate future.
Trainer Jimmy Ting opted for a 2200m event recently which was his first attempt over the longer distance and he ran well.I'm confident he's better than most of these, pound for pound, so with a good ride and touch of luck early from the draw he can go close to getting the money.

#2 KINGLY DEMEANOUR ran an improved race last time out and tonight races in class five for just the second time. Although he's assigned the equal top weight in this field, trainer Tony Cruz has elected to secure the services of a senior rider, and not a claimer.He's likely to aim for a handy position in the run, and from a more favourable barrier this time around shouldn't cover any extra ground.

#5 GO GO GO has gone close at his last two starts, and he was beaten a nose three starts ago by AMAZING BOY.While he had every opportunity to get past ARTHUR'S KINGDOM the last time they met he does meet him better off at the weights.The draw in gate 9 shall take some clever riding to overcome by champion Zac Purton but it's more than likely he'll end up one of the main challengers at the end.

#6 CLASSIC ARCHI is fighting for his career with a rating of 32 and if he doesn't run well tonight, from the inside barrier, maybe soon retired.He's got the ability to win a race of this nature and the course and distance are also on his side, but his mental commitment to the cause is where it all seems to break down.It'll take a perfect and calculated ride but a win can be achieved if everything falls into place.

Selections : 8,4,2,5,6

R2 - 5,1,3,6,9

R3 - 7,1,3,9,6

R4 - 8,2,1,12,3

R5 - 5,2,1,10,6

R6 - 2,5,11,9,3

R7 - 3,1,10,5,8

Race 8

#5 HELENE WARRIOR arrived to Hong Kong a two time winner in England.He added a third victory to his record last start with a comprehensive defeat of all comers and in the process was extremely well tried in the betting.Drawing well in gate six tonight should see him position handy to the speed again and with only four extra pounds to carry he'll be hard to beat.As a 3yo taking on older horse there can often be an essence of doubt, but it doesappear as though he has plenty of handicap rating points in hand.

#12 CHAIN OF GOLD has certainly gained additional fitness in recent runs over the Happy Valley mile and is just about cherry ripe, and ready to win.He's also displayed a good turn of acceleration when asked to find the line which shall make him difficult to hold out.Throw into the calculations the good draw and light weight he carries and he becomes the runner all must defeat.

#10 CAPITAL LEGEND has been in solid form this campaign and despite his dreadful starting position of gate 10 can be genuinely entertained.He's already proven he's tactically versatile but in an ideal world a sit with cover throughout would be preferred.That'll be in the capable hands of rider Mathew Chadwick to sort but he's racing well enough to include.

#9 ROCKET SPADE remains a Hong Kong maiden after 23starts but is capable of running well, and potentially even breaking a long standing run of outs.After arriving the New Zealand Derby winner of 2021 he continues dropping in the rating's and now finds himself back at his most preferred track.He's drawn well and the blinkers have again been applied, so there remains legitimate reasons to include him in all exotic calculations.

#4 GALLANT WAKING reunites with Jerry Chau, now that Vincent Ho shifts over to SUPREME ABILITY, but that doesn't mean both can't find their way into the finish.He's clearly been more effective in races over 1200m but at the same time is capable of running well at 1650m.The inside draw shall assure he doesn't cover any extra ground and he's now become competitively rated.

Selections : 5,12,10,9,4

R9 - 10,9,1,7,3